Saturday, December 8, 2012

Shoe Suede Blues

Shoe Suede Blues is the name of Peter's Blues Band.

Here is the link to their upcoming dates.  Check it right now.  It's okay, I'll wait.

http://www.shoesuedeblues.com/dates.htm

The name comes from the Elvis Presley Song, "Blue Suede Shoes", note the silly pun created by flipping a noun & adjective.  Totally in keeping with PT's sense of humor & Monkee past. Song written & recorded by Carl Perkins in 1955, notable as being one of the 1st rockabilly songs, combining country, blues & rock elements.  If you've never heard it, LISTEN!!  (I'm not sure who came up with it as the name for the band, but it might have been Richard Mikuls, one of the first and fabulous members!)

If you are lucky to be within the vicinity of an upcoming performance of SSB, GO!!  They usually perform on the East Coast, but can pop up anywhere in the US.  It is a great chance to see PT in his natural element.  The crowds are generally smaller and he is much more accessible.  He will even gladly sign anything ("you care to expose") AFTER the show or maybe at an intermission.   Before or during a performance is just tacky.

They do a great variety of blues songs (listen for his Louie Jordan introduction, he might even go into his French and Bronx accents if you're lucky).  Also some classic rock ("Sea Cruise").  And, of course, Monkee songs.

Listen for a slowed down, bluesy "Clarksville".  When he does "Little Bit Me", hold 2 fingers up when he gets to "too".  As in "It's a little bit you, too".  Funny.  If he does not do "Steppin Stone", be sure to scream it for an encore.  He doesn't take requests, but can be perSUEDEd to do it.  And it's worth it.  He covers the Sex Pistols version. And it is the best, fiercest version you'll ever hear.  Worth it to go to a show just for that.  (He will NOT do Grizelda, and don't you dare ask!! He does it for the Monkee shows and is a good sport about it.  If that's your favorite song of his, listen to the record!)

Also worth it to see PT at his absolute best as a performer.  No matter the venue, big or small, he creates MAGIC.  About 3/4 through the show, he always hits some kind of amazing pocket.  The band hits their stride and you can see what it means to be put on this earth to play music.  Him and the other members (especially Joe Boyle!!) trade solos back and forth.  At some point, it becomes transcendent.

Trust me.  Just go.


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